Witch | National Historic Ships

Registration number 2327

Status Archived

a12admin

Witch - being moved from Emsworth to Cowes

Details

Function Leisure Craft

Subfunction Yacht

Location Cowes

Vessel type Cutter

Archive reason Loss by fire

Current use None

Available to hire No

Available for excursions No

Web address www.witch1902.co.uk

Construction

Builder Sibbick, Charles & Co, Cowes

Built in 1902

Hull material Wood

Rig Gaff Cutter

Number of decks 1

Number of masts 1

Propulsion Motor

Number of engines 1

Boiler type None

Boilermaker None

Dimensions

Breadth: Beam

8.40 feet (2.56m)

Depth

6.90 feet (2.10m)

Length: Overall

35.90 feet (10.95m)

History

WITCH is a gaff cutter of carvel construction, oak frames and pine deck. She was built in 1902 by Charles Sibbick and Co Limited of Cowes, Isle of Wight. Built as a yacht, she remained in commission until bought by her present owner in 2006. Since then she has been slowly returned to her original specification, replacing the 1970s coach roof etc. Charles Sibbick, although unknown today, was world famous before 1900, building nearly 300 yachts for royalty among others. WITCH is one of only about 15 remaining and is the only one of her type.

Unfortunately this vessel was destroyed in a boat yard fire in 2016.

Key dates

1902
Built by Charles Sibbick and Co Ltd of Cowes, Isle of Wight
2006
Bought by her present owner
2012
Relocated from Emsworth to Cowes for restoration
2014
Undergoing restoration to her original specification, replacing the 1970s coach roof, etc
2016
Destroyed in a boat yard fire at Cowes

Grants

September 2012
The Sustainability Grant award in January has been withdrawn
January 2012
A Sustainability Grant of £1000 for remedial work was made from the Strategic Development Fund of National Historic Ships UK